San Antonio, Texas: A Peace Education Program (PEP), based on Prem Rawat’s message of peace and sponsored by The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), has been one of the most popular classes at the Fabian Dale Dominguez State Jail in San Antonio. Jail authorities have reported a significantly positive impact upon the over 1,000 inmates who have participated in the program since it began in 2007 and a marked reduction in recidivism.

The success of the program in San Antonio has recently attracted the attention of the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA), where particular attention is being given to addressing the problem of repeated re-incarceration of released offenders.

The 1st Vice President of the European Parliament, the Honorable Gianni Pittella, hosted an international conference titled: “Peace and Well-being, addressing the founding values of the European Union” on November 28.

Against a backdrop of international uncertainty, including riots in many European cities, government change and continued unrest in the Middle East, an audience of institutional representatives and MEPs joined academics and business people from more than 25 countries to explore the most pressing issues facing Europe and the world today: peace and well-being.

On Friday, May 27, in Mazara del Vallo, Sicily, Prem Rawat addressed 1200 people who had gathered in the town square overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It was the highlight of a Week of Peace and Solidarity, sponsored jointly by Mayor Nicolò Castaldi, Associazione Percorsi and The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF). Hundreds were seated while others crowded onto balconies overlooking the square and squeezed into any space with a view. Translation was broadcast to all from well-placed speakers throughout the square.

Mr. Rawat’s address was the highlight of a full week in which this multicultural town concentrated its attention on peace. One prominent exhibition featured over 40 banners illustrating Prem Rawat’s focus on peace through the last four decades and the humanitarian aid outreach of TPRF.

Prem Rawat was invited by Gianni Pittella, First Vice President of the European Union, to share his vision of peace at a special event called “Words of Peace for Europe,” held at the EU Parliament House in Brussels on June 29, 2010. Mr. Rawat spoke to a diverse audience of diplomats, local leaders, and other honored guests from many countries.

Mr. Rawat’s remarks offered a clear and challenging perspective. “If we have the power to make such a mess out of this earth, then certainly we have enough power to bring peace to this earth, too,” he said. “The question remains whether or not it is something that we want to do, because peace begins with every one of you. It is individual human beings who need peace; it is individual human beings in whom the desire resides; and it is on the individual human being’s stage that peace needs to dance.”